PRINCETON, N.J. - Republicans are divided on whether presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee should exit the race or continue to campaign for the nomination, a poll indicated.

A Gallup poll found that 46 percent of likely Republican voters said they believe the former Arkansas governor should drop out, while 49 percent said he should continue to challenge Arizona Sen. John McCain for the nomination.

Among conservatives -- a group that has largely criticized McCain on numerous issues, including his initial opposition to tax cuts sought by President George W. Bush -- 54 percent said Huckabee, an ordained Southern Baptist minister, should remain in the race.

Moderate Republicans said Huckabee should drop out by a 57 percent to 38 percent margin, the poll found.

The survey of 829 Republicans and Republican-leaning independent was conducted Feb. 21-24. The margin of error is plus or minus three points.